A retired American who lived in Penang, Malaysia, and now has returned to the US shares his thoughts, views and opinions on a variety of subjects ranging from the ridiculous to the controversial. The contents are only limited by his imagination.

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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

As the year 2014 approaches people are wishing each other a Happy New Year. Well not everyone! This past year of 2013 we again saw a record number of people die as a result of gun violence, terrorism and assorted wars and conflicts and poverty. This country became more divided than it has every been over a variety of issues pertaining to same sex marriage, race, politics, religion and even the Constitution. We saw our President attacked, often even threatened, not because of his political beliefs, but because of his color and his support for the less fortunate. Members of all political spectra attacked each other for their differences and refused to work together for the common good. Religions, which are supposed to be vehicles of love, peace and tolerance have turned into conduits of hate, bigotry and racism. Religious zealots have taken it upon themselves to pass judgement on others, rather than to leave that to God. Religions have come to fighting each other over wanting to be the dominant religion. God must be so proud of His followers!!!

Now we are ready to usher in 2014 and as always we all hope for a better year for us, but not necessarily others. Wouldn't it be nice to wish EVERYONE a Happy New Year and really mean it? Wouldn't it be nice if we could see a New Year where we take care of those less fortunate? Wouldn't it be nice if we had a New Year where people would not be judged by their religion, the color of their skin, their sexual preference, their gender, their economic status or their political views? Wouldn't it be nice if we had a New Year where people did not force their religious views on others? Wouldn't it be nice if we could have a New Year where people did not have to worry about dying because of a lack of health insurance? Wouldn't it be nice if people meant more than corporations? Wouldn't it be nice if our law enforcement officers were not outgunned and attacked for protecting us? Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could marry the ones they loved? Wouldn't it be nice if every child could get an education, even if their family was not rich? Wouldn't it be nice if we could go to school or to the movies without worrying about being shot? Wouldn't it be nice if we could think, believe or act differently or simply be different without being demonized by others? Wouldn't it be nice if our Congress was not owned by the wealthy of this nation? Wouldn't it be nice if all Americans cared about each other?

Yes it would. That would be what Christ would want all Christians to do and that is what REAL religions would want. That is what all Americans should want. But unfortunately we are humans and that sort of behavior seems to go against human nature, as the history of mankind has taught us. But we can still hope, We can still pray. We can still all strive for a better life for EVERYONE in 2014.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

I haven't posted here in a while because frankly I am sick and tired of the bullshit from both the left and the right. I have fond memories of growing up with the Christmas season as one where everyone was happily spreading cheer and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. It was a time when we donated time and money so that those less fortunate than us could celebrate this wonderful holiday. When I was younger, children, such as myself appreciated the presents we received. The presents didn't cost a fortune either. Sure there was commercialism, but it was not the main focus of Christmas.

This Christmas season there is nothing but hatred, racism, bigotry and just plain meanness clouding the celebration of Christmas. Our politicians have been bought and paid for by the same companies that have taken the real meaning out of Christmas. As you may have noticed I said "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings". I am not a religious person, but come on now, CHRISTmas is the holiday celebrating the birth of Christ. It is not a holiday to put department stores and other businesses and the economy "in the green". Christmas is a holiday that has been celebrated for over 2000 years by those of the Christian faith, and others. Lately people have been discouraged from using "Merry Christmas" or making any reference to Christ or religion in the celebration of this holiday in order not to "offend" anyone. This country was founded on the principle of freedom of religion, any and all religions. We have people of many different religions, from different countries and cultures and different races. Since when is it offensive to allow someone to celebrate their religion or culture and try to share their happiness with all they meet? If someone is offended by the the celebration of Christmas or the mention of anything religious during this time of year, then just ignore it. If you want to be offended and reject other's happiness or their attempt to make you happy then you have a problem. You have the right to be miserable and complain, but you don't have the right to deny other people of their celebrations and happiness. So to everyone, those finding offense and those who do not I wish you all the happiness, joy, love and peace of this wonderful season.